The Best Things in Life

by Kate Sweeney

  “What you do for me?” Cara asked slowly.

  “Yes. What I do for you. You had a chance to be a journalist at a big paper. And what did you choose? Some ridiculous left-wing rag and get paid like a…”

  “Left-wing rag,” Cara said. She reached for the bottle, pouring herself a healthy glass.

  Kim offered her glass; Cara smiled sweetly, setting the bottle down with a thud. Kim glared at her and reached for the bottle.

  “So, what bothers you more? That I write for what I believe, or you don’t agree with what I believe?”

  Kim said nothing, but Cara saw her jaw tighten. She knew the answer.

  “We’re different,” Cara said softly. “We want different things.”

  Kim’s nostrils flared. “What does that mean?”

  Cara sat back and chuckled. “I think it’s obvious.”

  “Oh, so it is about her.”

  Cara’s head shot up. “It is not.”

  “Tell me you’re not attracted to her.”

  “Whatever I may feel for Morgan, it has nothing to do with this conversation.”

  “Yes, it does. You’ve never talked like this before.”

  “The sad part of all this is that I have talked like this before.” Cara sighed. “Maybe you’re right. Perhaps since I met Morgan and her family, I have changed. What I thought were the best things in life are no longer the same.”

  “What the hell does that mean? Are we breaking up?” Kim tossed her napkin on the table. “I wait to get this expensive reservation and you choose to pick a fight—”

  “Whoa, hold on there, Skippy. I was not the one who started this.”

  Kim sat back and folded her arms across her chest in a five-year-old pose. “You have a choice to make here because we’re going on vacation. And I’d like to have fun.”

  “I have a choice to make? What about you? You’re in this relationship too. What do you want to do? Do not put this all on me.”

  Kim’s jaw tensed again. “I can’t believe we’re doing this at an expensive—”

  Cara growled angrily. “Oh, will you stop with the cost? I get it. It’s an expensive restaurant. You had to promise your firstborn to get a reservation.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about!”

  “What?”

  “You don’t appreciate anything I appreciate. You have your causes.”

  She used air quotes on the last word, which infuriated Cara. Here comes the sarcasm, which she so desperately tried to hold at bay.

  “Causes?” Cara used air quotes, as well. “Causes? What cause do you have? Selling out for money? You are a gifted writer, but you have no direction. Only financial. Money, money. I’m sick to death of the talk of money and prestige with you. There is more to life than that. We used to think like that, remember?”

  Kim leaned in. “Yes, I remember. And I hated it. I can’t tell you how much. I tried the bike riding, the farmers market. Donating our Saturdays to the community garden and whatever cause you were chasing at the time,” Kim finished angrily. She breathed heavily and sat back.

  Cara listened in stunned silence. Then in a moment of clarity, she looked across at Kim, truly seeing her for the first time. She reached her hand across the table.

  For a moment, Kim didn’t know what to do. She tentatively reached over and took Cara’s hand.

  “We’re very lucky,” Cara said, fighting her tears.

  “How do you figure?”

  Cara smiled at her confounded tone. “We realized this before we got too far and someone really got hurt.”

  Kim frowned for a moment, then she laughed quietly. “I’m sorry. It was mean to say those things.”

  “No, you had a right to tell me what you were thinking. I’m glad you did.”

  She took a deep breath, then released Cara’s hand and sat back. “So now what?”

  “I think if you work fast, you might want to ask Ellen to go with you to Cabo.”

  Kim blinked several times. The look of shame on her face broke Cara’s heart.

  “It’s all right. You and I have been up and down, trying to find out what we’re doing together.” She laughed, trying not to sound comical. “I think tonight we found out. There’s nothing wrong with that. And that’s okay.”

  Kim frowned, not looking at Cara. “I never meant for this to happen with Ellen. I’m sorry.”

  “I believe you. But honestly, you really had no right to be angry with me over Morgan, when nothing happened and you were seeing Ellen all the while.”

  Kim couldn’t look at her; Cara didn’t need any further explanation.

  “I don’t think I’m very hungry right now,” Kim said, toying with the fork.

  “Neither am I.”

  Kim hailed the server for the check. Once the server took the credit card and brought the check, Cara reached across the table.

  “I have to see this.” Cara looked at the bill. “Are you serious? One hundred dollars for a bottle of wine?”

  “It’s an up-and-coming restaurant. The mayor comes here.”

  Cara raised an eyebrow, handing her the leather folder. “And that’s saying something for you. He’s a Democrat.”

  Kim laughed along with her as they walked out. They stood in awkward silence for a moment.

  “Can I take you home?” Kim asked.

  Cara smiled. “No, thanks. I think I’ll walk for a bit.”

  Kim’s bottom lip quivered. “I can’t believe we’re doing this on Michigan Avenue. I do care for you.”

  Cara pulled her into an affectionate hug. “I know you do. So do I,” she whispered, kissing her on the cheek. She pulled back. “This is good.”

  Kim nodded and took a deep breath. “Yes, it’s good. I won’t say we’ll keep in touch or anything, but maybe…”

  Cara caressed her cheek. “Let’s just give it some time. We’ll go from there.”

  Kim frowned, looking like a child. “You’re always right. I hate that.”

  They both laughed while Kim hailed a cab. Kim gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before getting into the cab. Cara watched the cab drive down Michigan Avenue.

  She took a deep breath and walked away. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realize how far she’d gone until she looked up at the lighted Old English script of the Drake on top of the building.

  “What am I doing here?” She looked at her watch. It was ten thirty. She sighed and turned to hail a cab when Cara saw her.

  Morgan stood on the corner with a few people, waiting for the light to change. Whatever she said, she had the other people laughing. She pulled something out of her pocket and held it up. Cara chuckled, knowing it was her compass. When the light changed, one man slapped her on the back before they walked away. Morgan jogged across the street and up to the entrance of the hotel. Before she walked through the revolving doors, she stopped and abruptly turned around. She looked across the street, then up and down the block. Cara watched her from the safety behind a newsstand. She knew Morgan could not see her, yet she looked around as if she were looking for someone. After a moment, she scratched the back of her neck and walked into the hotel.

  Cara watched her through the glass windows until Morgan disappeared out of sight.

  She turned away and hailed a cab.

  Chapter 19

  “So, how is it?”

  Morgan laughed and stretched out on the bed. “It’s ridiculous.”

  Betty laughed along. “What have you been doing?”

  “Well, I met the editor, Linda. She’s a real nice woman. And—”

  “How is Cara? Did you go out to dinner with her?”

  “No. She’s going on vacation tomorrow. She had a date with her girlfriend. I-I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again after tomorrow morning. Oh, by the way, the mayor is out of town. So, I don’t have to worry about any interviews or anything like that. That’s a relief.”

  “Is that good?”

  “I’m like a fish out of water here, Mom. I’m getting very antsy. And n
ow with the mayor not here and an assistant taking care of everything, it takes a load off, that’s for sure. So, I’ll have some fun here for a couple days, take a few photos with the mayor’s office, and I’ll be home in three days.”

  “So, you won’t see Cara again?”

  “No, I don’t see how.” Morgan laughed. “It’s okay. I can’t wait to get home.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay. I’m tired. My side aches, and I want to come home.” She laughed along with Betty. “I’m not kidding.”

  “I know you’re not. Oh, before I forget. Your father says Paul is doing very well. He’s a quick learner. So, don’t worry about anything. Just have some fun. Oh, and Andy is delivering those logs.”

  “I totally forgot about that. I should never have left.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. I forgot about it too until Andy called this morning. He was out there all day. No worrying. I wish you could see Cara again. I know, I shouldn’t bring it up. I know how you feel, Morgan. Maybe I’ll let you go, I don’t want to be a buttinski.”

  “You’ll never be. I guess I just want…”

  “What do you want, sweetie?”

  When Morgan heard her soft voice, she felt overwhelmed. What did she want?

  “Someone I probably can’t have.” She laughed. “What is wrong with me?”

  “Nothing. But there’s something else. I hear it in your voice.”

  “I was thinking of Uncle Jerry at dinner tonight. Remind me to tell you how expensive everything is here. There was a couple there for their anniversary. They acted just like Uncle Jerry and Aunt Therese.” Morgan felt her chest tighten. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the images that flashed through her mind again.

  “It was not your fault,” Betty whispered.

  “I know, I know.”

  “You couldn’t be two places at once.”

  “Why did I have to choose—?”

  “Stop it. Now. Go take a nice hot bath and go to bed. I’ll call you if there’s a problem at home.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow night,” Morgan said.

  “Oh, all right. You’re like an old woman.”

  Morgan laughed. “Like you.”

  “Ha! I’m not that old. Good night, sweetie. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Mom. Tell Pop.”

  “I will. Go to sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  Morgan looked out the window. The lights below lined the shore with the red and green lights shining on whatever street it was. She lay there for a while, her mind wandering and remembering the day. She thought of Cara and smiled as she put her hands behind her head. Cara was a nice woman, kind and compassionate. And though she didn’t know her very well, she didn’t really care for that Kim woman. Even though she was extremely attractive. And the clothes she wore? They sure did look expensive.

  “Oh, what am I doing here?” Morgan looked at the ceiling. “I should be at home, doing my job instead of lying on this…extremely comfortable bed.” She then reached for the phone and dialed the desk. “Hello…is…is Cindy in?”

  “Yes. Please hold.”

  Morgan only had to wait a moment.

  “Miss Gavin, how are you?”

  “I-I’m fine. I have a question for you.”

  “Certainly. What can I do for you?”

  “Well, this may seem odd, but do you know where the hotel gets these down comforters?”

  There was silence for a moment. “The comforters?”

  “Yes.” Morgan suddenly felt like an idiot. “You see, my mother would love one of these on a cold night.” She laughed then. “So would I. They’re very comfortable.” She stopped when she heard the soft laughter.

  “They’re feather beds. I can find out for you if you like.”

  “Oh, thanks, but I don’t want you to go to any trouble.”

  “It’s no trouble at all. Can I get back to you in the morning?”

  Morgan looked at the clock on the nightstand and winced. It was nearly eleven o’clock. “I’m so sorry…”

  “Please, don’t be. It’s very boring right about this time. I’ll have the information tomorrow.”

  “That’s fine, thanks. Sorry, if I—”

  “Not at all. Good night.”

  “G’night.” Morgan set the phone down, picked up a pillow, and placed it over her head. “What an idiot.”

  *******

  Morgan had the best sleep she’d had in months. She stood under the shower’s spray feeling rejuvenated and ready for whatever Linda had planned for her. It was one more day closer to going home. And now that Cara wasn’t in the picture, she didn’t really care if she went home today. Then she realized she missed Cara. She thought of their time together at home. How she laughed, her sarcasm. And she wouldn’t see her again; she was glad she was leaving in a few days.

  She dressed and headed down to meet Linda for breakfast. Back home by this time, she would have had the mail delivered to the other side of the lake and planned the rest of the day transporting vacationers to the resorts. As it was, she was starving.

  The Drake evidently was the place for breakfast, according to Cindy. The server showed her to a table by the window.

  “Coffee?”

  “Boatloads, thanks,” Morgan said.

  She was thrilled when the server came back with a carafe and a nice big mug. After pouring a hot mugful, she glanced at her watch. It was only eight thirty; her stomach growled. She examined the menu; she knew her jaw dropped when she looked at the prices. She drank her coffee, wondering how much these few days were going to cost… She wondered if Linda knew the prices here.

  “A person could go broke just eating breakfast.”

  Every time someone walked in, she hoped it would be Cara. Of course is wasn’t—and the feeling of loss drifted through her, making an unhappy home in her heart.

  Chapter 20

  Linda signed a few checks and made some notes to Debbie. She had a half hour before she had to leave to pick up Morgan. She nearly jumped out of her chair when Debbie barged in, waving the newspaper.

  “Here it is!”

  “It’s about time.”

  “The delivery truck left hours ago. I think this issue is great. All the political rhetoric and the stories about the school system. Then this. What a wonderful feel-good story. Cara should do more stories like this.”

  “Yes, it is. And yes, she should. Thanks, Debbie. Oh, here, put these in the mail, please.”

  After Debbie left, Linda looked at the first copy of this edition and smiled. Cara certainly did an exceptional job on this article, including great photos. She reread the last paragraph, shaking her head.

  “Oh, my friend, you are so hooked on this pilot.” She looked up when her door opened.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Cara smiled and gave her a short wave. “I love you too. Can I come in?”

  “Of course you can. What’s going on?”

  Cara sat and groaned. “Well, I’m not going on vacation.”

  “Oh, yes, you are. Stan is already taking over your assignment. If I pulled him away from it now, he’d probably start crying. He practically kissed me when I gave it to him. What’s happened?” She watched Cara chew at her bottom lip. “Tell me. Before I reach across this desk—”

  Cara noticed the paper on Linda’s desk. “Is that what I think it is?”

  Linda handed it to her. “It is. Great job. Which is an understatement.”

  “The photos turned out well. I took them when I was alone at the cabin. I nearly forgot them.”

  “Interesting ending.”

  Cara did not look up. “Is it?”

  “Yes. So, Morgan Gavin changed your life forever, is that right?”

  Cara looked up then. “In a way, yes.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Don’t grunt like that.”

  “Why aren’t you on a plane for Cabo?”

  “Kim and I broke up last night.”

&
nbsp; Linda tried not to look happy; she knew she failed miserably. She instantly frowned. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You’re so not.”

  “You’re so right. What happened?”

  Cara let out a deep sigh. “We had a frank discussion last night over dinner. Well, that’s not true, it was over a bottle of wine.” She looked at Linda. “A hundred-dollar bottle of wine.”

  “Wow. Well, that’s Kim.” Linda sat back. “And I bet that was part of the discussion.”

  “It was. We’re just different. And besides that, I think she’s been seeing someone.”

  Linda nodded but didn’t say anything.

  “You don’t seem surprised.”

  “I’m not really. Is it that tall sexy woman who’s Vera Monte’s secretary?”

  “How come I don’t know who this woman is?”

  Linda laughed at her helpless tone. “Because you’re too busy looking for the corruption in City Hall and the plight of the homeless vets in this city. And the school system—”

  “Okay, okay. I sound like a socialist activist.” Cara let out an angry breath.

  “Those are Kim’s words, not yours. If I hear you talk about yourself like that again, I’ll fire you.”

  Cara raised an eyebrow. “Okay, but we both know you won’t fire me.”

  “True. So, how was it left between you?”

  “It was very amicable actually. Kim seemed relieved. And to tell the truth, so am I. There were raised voices, but that’s all. Probably because we were at some swanky opulent restaurant. That the mayor goes to. So, no screaming. No throwing anything. I don’t know.”

  “You want to know why?” Linda asked softly. She laughed when suspicion showed in Cara’s eyes.

  “I’m not sure…”

  “It’s because you both realized in the nick of time that you don’t belong together. I knew when she took that job with the Sun-Times that it would change your relationship.”

  “Well, you’re my best friend. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “As your best friend, would you have listened to me?”

  Cara sighed again. “No.”

  “So, no Cabo?”

  “Nope. I think she’s going with that woman.”

  “Are you kidding?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I suggested it last night. She laughed. Ha-ha. To be honest, she was contrite. And while I was sad, like I said, I was relieved. Oh, I don’t know.”